Can you imagine a state with over 11,000 miles of running water? Luckily, Mother Nature has made some of those streams into natural water parks in Missouri. Rocky Falls shut-ins, located in the Mark Twain National Forest, are a dream come true.
Situated in Winona, in southeast Missouri, Rocky Falls is the perfect place to cool off in refreshing spring-fed waters. This natural water park lies along Rocky Creek, a tributary of the nearby popular floating river, the Current River. Rocky Falls shut-ins are a must-stop when visiting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a national park protecting the Jack’s Fork and Current River, plus historic sites, caves, freshwater streams, and trails. These spring-fed waterways are cool and clear, perfect for a refreshing tip.
Missouri was once covered by ancient seas resulting in lots of porous rock that has eroded over time. This geological history is why Missouri is also known as the “cave state.” However, shut-in areas dotted throughout the state are unique. The rhyolite rock there was created by lava flows a billion and a half years ago. The harder rock withstands constant water flow, creating the waterfalls that “shut in” the water flow to a narrower channel.
Past the harder rock that creates the tiered climbable 40-foot falls [shut-ins], the stream opens up again into a pristine natural swimming pool. Water shoes or old tennis shoes are recommended due to the rocky terrain, especially if you plan to ascend the falls. Be careful!
At the Rocky Falls site, there are picnic tables, grills, a gravel beach, swimming, a walkable stream, fishing, and my personal favorite, a restroom! Sometimes they’re hard to come by when in more rural natural areas. The trailhead for the Klepzig Mill Trail is also at the site if you fancy a hike.
Other nearby sites offer creek walking, canoeing, floating, boating, and fishing on the Jack’s Fork and Current Rivers and their tributaries. This whole Ozark National Scenic Riverways area is like a giant natural playground that spans just over 80,000 acres. The most easily accessible towns nearby Rocky Falls are Eminence and Van Buren. I grew up near the muddy Mississippi and its tributaries, we never got to see clear waters like these!
The best address I found for the falls is County Rd NN-526 Winona, MO 65588, USA. The National Parks Service also provides some information about visiting the Rocky Falls.Missouri has some beautiful natural waterfalls–do you plan to add this one to your list?
If you are going to be out in the backcountry of southeast Missouri exploring nature, I 10/10 recommend using an app like AllTrails Plus. The app alerts you when you make a wrong turn and helps you navigate routes. One of my favorite features is its detailed information about nearby trails, often more helpful than state park websites. Happy hiking!
Spending time outdoors, exploring Missouri's many state parks, conservation areas, and scenic hiking trails, inevitably means stumbling upon waterfalls that take our breath away. We have no shortage of waterfalls to chase in Missouri - from those that sit along winding trails to others that we can view from the comfort of our cars. Make your next adventure to one of the best waterfalls in Missouri.
While Missouri is perhaps best known for its thousands of caves, it has dozens of predominately wet-weather waterfalls. If you're not sure where to start exploring these majestic cascades, plan a visit to the tallest waterfalls in Missouri.
Need To Know Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is home to the tallest waterfall in Missouri and the highest point in Missouri.
Nestled in the St. Francois Mountains, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is perhaps best known as the home of the biggest waterfall in Missouri. Sat along the three-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail, the 132-foot waterfall is at its most spectacular after it has rained. If you visit at any other time, you might see it as merely a trickle. Mina Sauk Falls is about halfway along the moderately challenging trail that features rocky terrain and quiet streams. If you don't have a lot of time, hike to the tallest waterfall then turn around and head back to the trailhead.
Need To Know You must pay an admission fee to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
Sprawled across 10,000 acres, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including several waterfalls, including one that's said to cascade down 60 feet. Stroll along one of the scenic paths that will take you past several waterfalls. You'll also be treated to sensational views of the Ozark Mountains.
Need To Know While there's no parking lot, you can park in one of the parking spots near the park.
Although it's not a natural waterfall, the man-made Riverside Falls is also known as Briarcliff Waterfall. You can access it along the Briarcliff Linear Trail. The nearly four-mile trail tends to be quiet but is kid-friendly and passes such scenery as a footbridge, a fountain, and perhaps one of the biggest waterfalls in Missouri.
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Best Waterfall Hikes In Missouri
Some of the best hiking trails in Missouri lead to breathtaking cascades; others surprise us with tiny unnamed waterfalls as we're hiking. Next time adventure calls, answer with a trek along one of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri.
Need To Know Consider wearing waterproof shoes as there are several stream crossings.
The best way to explore Hickory Canyons Natural Area is on one of its hiking trails. The one-mile Western Trail leads to a spectacular waterfall. Be prepared to run into other hikers along this loop trail that features a few challenges, including downed trees and roots jutting up from the ground. The flowing waterfall is undeniably the highlight of the trail, but spend time admiring the chiseled canyons and cliffs, too.
Need To Know There are several creek crossings, so you may want to wear waterproof shoes.
Both a kid-friendly and a dog-friendly hike, the Roark Creek Waterfall Trail in Branson passes two flowing waterfalls. Although it scores an easy rating, the 1.8-mile hike features some rocky terrain, so be prepared. While the wet-weather waterfalls are at their strongest after it rains, if it rains too much, the trail may be closed. You'll likely run into other hikers on the popular trail and, if you're visiting in the summer, bring your swimming gear. The larger of the two waterfalls is a popular swimming hole.
Need To Know Parts of the trail are incredibly rocky, so take care when hiking.
Meandering through Big Sugar Creek State Park, the Ozark Chinquapin Trail promises an abundance of natural beauty, including unique rock formations, colorful wildflowers, and several natural waterfalls. The 3.4-mile loop trail is dog-friendly (pups must remain on a leash) and is predominately flat. Pass tiny waterfalls that cascade over cliffs and ledges into crystal-clear pools of water. Don't forget your camera to capture the flowing waterfalls and the breathtaking views from the scenic bluffs.
Need To Know The trail earns a moderate rating predominately due to uphill climbs.
When you need to get away from it all, embrace the quiet of nature at Glassberg Family Conservation Area, home to picturesque ponds, local wildlife, and scenic overlooks. Follow the 2.6-mile Glassberg Family Conservation Area Trail that's highlighted by a tiny but beautiful wet-weather waterfall. The overlook offers sensational views of the Meramec River, so don't forget your camera.
Accessible Waterfalls In Missouri (No Hiking Required)
Chasing waterfalls might be the perfect outdoor adventure, but we don't always have the time or the ability to go on a hike. That doesn't mean we'll miss out, though. These accessible waterfalls in Missouri lead to some of the most magnificent cascades, and each requires just a short walk to view.
Need To Know A beloved swimming hole, Grand Falls is often packed during the hottest days of the summer.
If you don't have a lot of time, you don't even have to leave the parking lot to drink in sensational views of Grand Falls in Joplin. The waterfall is popular year-round, but it gets really busy during the summer. Take a short stroll from the parking lot to the 163-foot wide waterfall that cascades down 12 feet. A popular swimming hole in the summer, Grand Falls' ledges are popular with climbers. Water shoes are recommended.
Need To Know Expect large crowds if you're visiting this waterfall (and popular swimming hole) during the summer.
Rocky Falls in Winona Township is perhaps the area's most popular swimming hole. You can wade in the cool water and, if you're wearing water shoes, climb the chiseled rock formations. Even if you don't want to get wet, bring a chair and sit alongside the water. You'll also find grills, picnic tables, and bathrooms a short walk from the cascade. The 40-foot waterfall is beautiful year-round. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season.
Waterfall Park in Independence is home to several gorgeous manmade waterfalls. Follow the 1.2-mile Waterfall Loop Trail that will take you past the towering cascade, several smaller manmade waterfalls, sunflowers in the summer, and ducks and geese floating on Bass Pro Lake. The park can get extremely busy, so be prepared to run into other hikers, walkers, and families.
Need To Know Water shoes are recommended if you plan to explore the popular swimming hole.
If you've been searching for "waterfalls near me," you've certainly found some of the most unique. Johnson's Shut-Ins, tucked in Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, is perhaps the most popular natural waterpark in Missouri. Slip down natural waterslides; cool off in the crystal-clear pool, and admire tiny waterfalls created by the shut-ins. Some swimmers even bring tubes to float. Plan a visit, too, in the other seasons when the shut-ins are less crowded.
Best Waterfalls near Kansas City
You won't find a better adventure than chasing hidden waterfalls in Missouri and exploring some of its most popular cascades. From St. Louis to Kansas City, the best Missouri waterfalls are worthy of a spot on your bucket list. You might even want to go on a road trip to visit some of the best waterfalls near Kansas City.
Need To Know The waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot.
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As one of the only natural waterfalls in the Kansas City area, Tryst Falls has been a beloved local natural landmark for more than 100 years. Nestled in Tryst Falls Park, the natural waterfall is easily accessible on a short .02-mile, dog-friendly path. The park itself has picnic tables and a playground.
Need To Know The trail to the waterfall is kid-friendly.
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The one-mile Old Kate Trail meanders through Parkville Nature Sanctuary and past such natural beauty as wetlands and streams. The highlight of the trail is the wet-weather waterfall that you'll likely hear before you see it. Scoring an easy rating, the waterfall hike in Missouri passes along boardwalks and features some bumpy terrain.
Need To Know The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
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Carve out at least three hours for your stroll along the predominately paved 8.2-mile Line Creek Trail in Kansas City. While the natural waterfall is the highlight of the scenic trail, you'll also pass such scenic beauty as colorful wildflowers in the warmer months, meadows, and local wildlife.
What do you think? Do you agree that these are the best Missouri waterfalls? From year-round waterfalls to wet-weather waterfalls, Missouri has something for everyone. Let us know your favorites in the comments! Follow this scenic waterfall loop road trip through Missouri for an epic adventure. But before you set off on any road trip, check out our road trip essentials packing list.
One of the best things about hiking is there's something for all of us - whether we are novices or seasoned hikers - and we can always find the right trail. Short and sweet trails are usually my favorite because they don't take too long, give me the time in nature that I crave, and help me recharge. If I'm lucky the trail I've taken has a waterfall or two along the way. If you're all about chasing waterfalls, you'll fall in love with this waterfall trail in Fredericktown, Missouri.
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We've all likely heard of - and perhaps even visited - the Castor River Shut-Ins, a natural wonder that's tucked in Amidon Memorial Conservation Area in Fredericktown.
The pink granite shut-ins, the only ones in Missouri, date back 1.5 billion years.
The short and sweet Old Hahns Mill Trail tallies just over half a mile and leads right to the shut-ins and tiny waterfalls that create some of the most stunning natural scenery in Missouri.
While there are several trails to the shut-ins, Old Hahns Mill is kid and dog-friendly, well-maintained, and can be completed in less than half an hour.
If you're short on time, this trail in Missouri packs a lot of scenic punch - shut-ins, waterfalls, wildflowers, and lush greenery during the warmer months - in just .08 of a mile.
Wear sturdy shoes. While the trail earns an easy rating, you will have to deal with large rocks, especially once you arrive at the shut-ins.
The shut-ins are a popular swimming spot during the hotter months, so make sure you bring your swimming gear if you want to cool down.
Old Hahns Mill Trail tends to be quiet and it promises scenic beauty in all four seasons. If you can, follow it after a fresh snowfall. There's nothing quite as enchanting as frozen waterfalls sprinkled with snow.
Have you followed Old Hahns Mill Trail, a waterfall trail in Fredericktown, Missouri? What did you think of the tiny waterfalls and the pink granite shut-ins? Let us know in the comments! You'll likely build up an appetite during your hike, so head over to The Depot Cafe, a charming restaurant in Fredericktown, Missouri for a bite to eat.
Or, if you prefer to explore some more, why not set off on another of Missouri's best hiking trails? You can find a comprehensive list, including photos and maps, on AllTrails.
